With its massive distribution center outside Mobile due to open this year, Walmart has announced plans for its first wave of hiring.

When fully operational, according to information provided by the company on Thursday, it will employ "more than 750 full-time associates with wages averaging more than $16.50 an hour.

The immediate goal, however is to hire about 50 associates by March. Those positions include asset protection, data processing and quality assurance jobs. By the end of June it plans to hire another 600 people, including loaders, unloaders, order-fillers and equipment operators.

To help find them, the company will hold three information sessions in January and February. Details:

The sessions are intended to provide applicants with additional details "about the company, available positions, the application process, training and benefits."

According to information released Thursday by Walmart, the Mobile Import Distribution Center will provide 2.5 million square feet of storage and docking, and will supply regional centers that in turn support about 700 stores.

"We're right on schedule for our open date, so it's time to accelerate the best and most important piece of this process, building our highly skilled team," said Barry Westbrooks, General Manager of the Mobile Import Distribution Center. "My team and I are excited to offer so many residents the opportunity to build a career. We're searching for passionate candidates who want to help our company save people money and time by keeping our stores stocked with the products our customers want at everyday low prices."